Takeoff during moderate or heavy freezing rain is what?

• A. Allowed
• B. Prohibited
• C. Restricted
• D. Conditionally allowed

Answer: (B)

Takeoff in moderate or heavy freezing rain is prohibited. Freezing rain causes ice to form rapidly on the aircraft’s wings, tail surfaces, engine inlets, and other critical areas. That ice changes the airfoil shape and adds weight, which stunts lift, increases stall speed, and can lead to loss of control right at the moment you need maximum performance during takeoff. De-ice/anti-ice systems have limited capability and may not keep surfaces clean enough in these conditions, and runway ice can worsen performance during the roll and initial climb. Because safety margins must be preserved during takeoff, crews do not operate in moderate to heavy freezing rain. If such conditions are present, the aircraft is held until weather improves or surfaces are confirmed ice-free.